[Mission] K-Drama Talk with Director Yoo In Sik: Behind the Magic of Extraordinary Attorney Woo
2025-12-09Renowned Korean producer-director Yoo In Sik held an insightful K-drama talk session at the Korean Cultural Centre India, New Delhi, on December 4, 2025. The session explored the making of Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022), starring Park Eun-bin, a rom-com legal drama that follows a young autistic attorney navigating society. A global sensation, the 16-episode series mindfully portrays neurodiversity through Woo’s perspective as she overcomes challenges and gradually earns recognition through her genius solutions and unique perception of the world.
Moderated by Mr. Sang Woo Lim, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India and a close friend of the director, the event drew over 100 fans and concluded with a lively fan-signing session.
When asked about the drama’s global love and recognition, PD Yoo admitted he never anticipated such a positive response. “I thought this drama could be just local because it's about Korean society and the Korean law system… and all the jokes are in Korean language as well. I didn’t expect the global love for this drama at all,” he said. “We just expected a small flower garden… very quiet and small… but suddenly, entire fields bloomed! That felt very magical in that summer; it was an unforgettable experience.”
Recalling his favourite moments, he fondly spoke about the whale scenes integrated throughout the drama — especially the initial introduction inside Attorney Woo’s new cabin at the law firm. “I was worried that the viewers might assume that it's a dinosaur or a monster, but everyone loved that whale, and many viewers shared that this was the moment they fell in love with the drama.” He later explained that the creative team discovered how many autistic individuals form special connections with specific animals, which inspired them to feature whales for Attorney Woo. On creative direction, he said, “Park Eun Bin is an exceptional actress. I had doubts and was scared when we started, but she brilliantly executed the role. She is great!”
PD Yoo acknowledged critical feedback that Woo is an exceptional case within the autism spectrum — a portrayal some viewers considered a fantasy. He was deeply moved when a viewer shared that the drama gave her hope for her autistic child’s future, believing they might one day experience the same love and support from society as Woo. “I hope that one day the child meets a boss like Jung Myung-seok, a friend like Choi Su-yeon and a lover like Lee Jun-ho,” he said, emphasizing that the kindness and acceptance shown in the drama should not remain a fantasy.
An audience member also thanked him for portraying Woo as a person beyond her challenges and for beautifully expressing the dynamics of such individuals, helping shape empathy and perception within society. To this, he responded, “I am grateful that I was able to do this through this drama.”
In conversation with Mr. Lim, he recalled one of his early dramas, Giant (2010), which narrates the story of three young siblings struggling in the 1970s during turbulent times in Korea. “The drama has about 60 episodes and was a huge phenomenon in Korea, reaching about 40% viewership at the time of its release. It deals with very strong emotions, and the plot centres around revenge and success, perhaps Indian viewers would love this drama,” he suggested.
During the session, he also discussed his current projects. His upcoming drama WonderFools, featuring Park Eun-bin (Extraordinary Attorney Woo) and Cha Eun-woo (True Beauty), is, as he described, “a hilarious comedy with serious action.” It follows a group of losers in a small town who gain supernatural powers and must save the world. It is expected to release in May 2026 on Netflix. Another project in production is a period spy melodrama starring Kim Yoo-jung (My Demon) and Park Jin-young (GOT7). 100 Days of Lies (working title) is expected to be completed by November next year and is set during the 1930s colonial-era Korea.
Speaking about his stay in India, PD Yoo shared that this was his first visit to the country. Prior to coming to Delhi, he attended a Korean Film Festival organised by the Honorary Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hyderabad. “I have watched and enjoyed a few Indian films like 3 Idiots and RRR. I had the chance to witness the beauty of the country, thanks to Mr. Lim and the Korean Embassy. I met many proactive Indian producers and visited Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad… the scale and technical capabilities made me speechless; it was astonishing!” he recalled.
When asked if he would consider working with Indian producers on a joint project someday, he said, “Why not! I think that Indian viewers and Korean viewers have some common interests and emotions because our two countries share a common history of colonialism with a very rapidly changing society, so maybe we can find a good and wide emotional space to connect via dramas,” he remarked enthusiastically.
One of my favourite moments from the session was when the room instantly lit up at the mention of actor Cha Eun-woo. PD Yoo was pleasantly surprised, exclaiming, “What was that reaction!? Such big smiles!” — a small yet clear glimpse into how Indian audiences are rapidly embracing K-dramas. During the fan-sign event, I shared a handwritten postcard and a small magnet as a gesture of Indian hospitality, which PD Yoo warmly appreciated.
Director Yoo In Sik is a celebrated Korean director, active since the early 2000s, with an extensive portfolio of K-dramas. His most acclaimed work, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, won the Grand Prize (Daesang) and earned him Best Director at the 2023 (59th) Baeksang Arts Awards. The series set the record for the highest ratings in ENA history and was also internationally nominated for Best Foreign Language Series at the 28th Critics' Choice Awards. With Extraordinary Attorney Woo, he brought warmth and nuance to the screen as it is a story that continues to inspire conversations on empathy, inclusion and representation. His other works include Dr. Romantic (S1-3), Vagabond, History of the Salaryman, Giant and more. Given the rising popularity of K-dramas in India, Director Yoo's visit is an important milestone and reflects the continued commitment to meaningful cultural exchange and cooperation between the two countries.
*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.
All photos are owned by the Honorary Reporter and taken on the day of the event
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